A building is destroyed following an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis (Photo: Xinhua)

Von der Leyen wrote on her X that there is a need for a ceasefire in Gaza now which is the only way to save lives, restore hope for peace, and secure the return of hostages.

She also confirmed the EU’s strong support for the efforts led by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to help achieve the peace and stability the region needs.

In a joint statement Thursday, the three countries’ leaders invited the conflict parties to resume talks on August 15 in Doha or Cairo “to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the deal without further delay.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says the country agreed to resume Gaza ceasefire talks on August 15.